09 Jun 2013

The move comes after Qatar Executive managed its first four years of operations under its parent company’s AOC.

Chairman of the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, Abdul Aziz Al Noaimi

Qatar Airways Bombardier Global XRS

The achievement enables Qatar Executive to further grow its worldwide aircraft charter business while continuing to leverage on the rapidly developing network and support of the award-winning Five Star group.

The newly-obtained status also provides Qatar Executive’s wholly-owned, all-Bombardier private fleet of six jets comprising three Challenger 605s, two Global 5000s and one Global XRS, with increased flexibility of operations under the safety regulations of the QCAA.

At the same time, the separate AOC will continue to guarantee the existing high standards of safety, service and operational excellence that the Doha-based private jet company has been providing customers, since launching the business in 2009.

With its own experienced management team, Qatar Executive will next seek international audits in line with industry body IATA’s International Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) standards to continue adhering with stringent safety regulations, while regular audits and inspections will continue to be carried out to the high safety specifications of Qatar Airways and the QCAA.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, who also heads up the airline’s private jet division, commented with great honour: “The accreditation of Qatar Executive’s own Air Operator Certificate by Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority is a testament to our group’s high standards of safety, security and attention to detail in all operational aspects.

“This accomplishment is a proud moment in Qatar Executive’s relatively short history and will open up extensive business opportunities for our growing business aviation service portfolio on a global scale.

“The support and dedication of Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority in processing our certification was outstanding, and I thank all stakeholders who have worked hard and tirelessly to achieve this AOC certification.”

Chairman of the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority Abdul Aziz Al Noaimi added: “We are delighted to award Qatar Executive its AOC certification, and with this, to support the national carrier’s corporate jet arm to expand its business to a truly global level.

“The accreditation also demonstrates the commitment of the State of Qatar to develop the nation as a key hub for not just commercial airlines, but also business aviation.”

Qatar Executive was awarded Best Business Aviation Operator 2012 by the prestigious Middle East regional magazine Aviation Business and has established a solid foundation for its future development, rapidly turning into one of the top air charter operators in the region and worldwide, backed by the global expertise and track record of award-winning parent carrier Qatar Airways.

Qatar Executive’s fleet of ultra-long range private jets is set to grow in the near future.

Notes to Editors

About Qatar Executive

Qatar Airways first announced at the Paris Air Show in 2009 the formation of a corporate jet subsidiary – Qatar Executive – as part of the airline’s ongoing robust global growth strategy, and continued commitment to the Middle East and global business travel community. Today, Qatar Executive offers worldwide on-demand travel services onboard its wholly-owned Bombardier business jet fleet. Qatar Executive's service portfolio includes Aircraft management, Airliner Charter, Maintenance and FBO services.

About Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways currently has orders worth over US$50 billion for more than 250 aircraft, including Boeing 787s, 777s, Airbus A350s, A380s and A320 Family of aircraft. In addition to winning Skytrax’s prestigious Airline of the Year 2011 and 2012, Qatar Airways was named Best Airline in the Middle East for the seventh year in a row, and its Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport was named Best Premium Service Airport for the third consecutive year in 2013. Skytrax is the only global independent passenger survey monitoring airline standards and is considered the ultimate benchmark for excellence in the airline industry. For more information, visit www.qatarairways.com